U.S. stores hope to duplicate "Twilight" success

NEW YORK (Reuters Life!) - Wal-Mart Stores Inc, is hoping that the vampire romance movie "Twilight", which was a surprise hit at the box office, will mean runaway success at its cash registers.

Twilight, based on the best-selling novel by U.S. author Stephenie Meyer, boasted a bigger opening North American weekend box office than the James Bond movie when it landed in theaters in November.

The Twilight movie DVD is slated for release on March 21, and to appeal to fans Wal-Mart will open "Twilight Shops" within each of its 3,500 U.S. discount stores starting in mid-March.

Wal-Mart said it will sell the DVD movie and CD soundtrack along with Twilight clothes, posters, jewelry and key chains.

Fans can also place early "pre-orders" on Wal-Mart's website for the Twilight DVD ahead of its nationwide release, and Walmart.com will post news about upcoming fan events and activities.

Wal-Mart is not the only retailer looking for a Twilight boost. Teen retailer Hot Topic Inc has seen brisk sales of its Twilight T-shirts, sweatshirts and jewelry. Its website is also taking early orders for the Twilight DVD.